What car to Buy?

["Paul C. Waterloo" <74543.407@compuserve.com>]

My car doesn't seem like it is going to last forever, (READ: I want more
horsepower, but need to convince my wife) so I am on the lookout for a good
deal.

I thought I had narrowed my choices down to a 1990 V8 or a 1991 200 TQ, which
both fit my budget (don't want to spend more than 17K, looking for that good
deal so I can spend a lot less).  I figure my '87 5KSQ with 170K is worth about
$2500 realistically. If anyone is interested, it's in very good shape, email me.

Now I am thinking about an older 200 TQ also. Is it true that the 88-90 had a 10
valve turbo, where the 91 had a 20 valve turbo which is basically the same power
plant as the 92 S4?  I know what the trim differences are between the 88-90 and
the 91.

My question is, what car would some of you recommend?  I drive about 2,000 miles
a month for business, so mileage is somewhat important.  From what I can tell,
the V8 gets as much as 22 MPG, my 5KSQ gets 25-29 MPG, what does a 200 TQ get?

Is a 200 TQ less maintenance than a V8? It seems like the parts are easier to
get and cheaper for the 200 TQ.  The 200 TQ is very similar to my car/engine
(basics) so I would be familiar with doing maintenance on it.

I drove a 91 200 TQ, it was very quick!  However, the body/paint/interior/engine
compartment were not very clean.  The car is still available, it has 88K on the
clock, it's at an Audi dealer and they were asking $14,900.  email if you're
interested.  I'm sure they'll come down.

A lot of word, no sense.  What would you recommend?  (the older 200 TQ's are
just so damn affordable, they make too much sense, but I LOVE the look of the
flared out fenders, and the 20V or 32V engine)

Thanks.  Paul Waterloo